"Why?" the two asked in unison.
"First, it would put a greater burden on the other jonin," Hiruzen Sarutobi said. "War is approaching, and every jonin has assignments of their own. Suddenly saddling one of them with a child wouldn't be appropriate."
"Second, it would affect their teamwork," he continued. "The Orochimaru Team may have only just formed, but they've already faced life and death together and developed a rapport. Breaking them up now wouldn't do anyone any good."
"Third..." He paused. "I trust Orochimaru, and I trust Uchiha Makoto."
Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu exchanged glances, each seeing resignation in the other's eyes.
They knew that once Hiruzen made a decision, it was difficult to change his mind.
"All right." Mitokado Homura sighed. "Since you've decided, we won't say any more."
Utatane Koharu nodded as well. "Let's just hope... you've made the right decision."
The two turned and left.
Hiruzen Sarutobi was alone in the office again.
He smoked, gazing out the window and murmuring to himself.
"Orochimaru... Uchiha Makoto... don't let me down."
The Konoha Gate drew closer and closer.
Uchiha Makoto looked at the familiar gatehouse, but felt none of the joy of coming home.
It wasn't that he particularly missed being away. He mainly knew that once they returned to the village, there would be no shortage of trouble.
Would that old scheming bastard Danzo let things slide after suffering such a huge loss?
Anyone with half a brain knew that was impossible.
Uchiha Makoto nudged Kakashi beside him. "Say, do you think Danzo will invite us over for tea once we're back?"
Kakashi glanced at him, his dead-fish eyes plainly saying, What do you think?
"Fine, forget I asked." Uchiha Makoto sighed. "But with Orochimaru-sensei covering for us, it shouldn't be too much of a